As previously reported Sheriff Eddie Shannon was being investigated by the Texas Rangers for allegations that he had made terroristic threats against the Newton County Judge and Commissioners earlier this year. Shannon was sworn in as sheriff in December of 2012.On July 31st a grand jury in Newton County handed down an indictment and an arrest warrant was issued for Shannon. Shannon's attorney Blair Bisby of the Seale, Stover & Bisby Law Firm in Jasper Texas released this statement concerning the indictment:

"We are disappointed that the grand jury reached what we consider an erroneous decision. Grand jury proceedings are secret, so we have no way of knowing what influenced that decision, but we do have complete faith in our system of justice and are confident that once we have the opportunity to present all the facts in open court in a public trial, that Sheriff Shannon¹s innocence will be obvious, and that he will be exonerated from these unfortunate accusations. In the meantime, he will continue to serve the people of Newton County to the best of his ability as their elected sheriff."

According to Bisby, Shannon voluntarily appeared for arraignment in Tyler County on August 1st and posted a $10,000 bond at 11A.M. on that date.

Tyler County Assistant District Attorney Lou Ann Cloy was given the case to prosecute. Ms Cloy was unavailable for any comments at this time. Newton County Judge Truman Dougherty stated that "Sheriff Shannon was an elected official and he was entitled to due process".